Salman Khan's Ramayana 40% shot, but one major 'mistake' halted film

The much-anticipated mythological epic Ramayana, starring Bollywood megastar Salman Khan as Lord Rama, has reportedly completed nearly 40% of its shooting. However, the film's production has come to an unexpected standstill due to what insiders are calling a “major mistake” in execution.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari, the film was envisioned as a grand trilogy aimed at redefining Indian cinema's approach to mythological storytelling. The project had already generated immense buzz with its ambitious scale, elaborate sets, and high-end visual effects work. Salman Khan's casting as Lord Rama had further fueled anticipation.

So, what went wrong?

According to industry sources, the project ran into trouble after a significant portion of the film was shot using a visual effects pipeline that failed to meet global cinematic standards. The production team allegedly relied on early-stage CGI which, after internal screenings, did not deliver the desired impact. This has now led to a major delay as portions of the film may have to be re-shot or enhanced with upgraded technology.

Additionally, creative disagreements reportedly emerged between the producers and the technical team regarding the portrayal of key mythological elements. The film’s budget, which has already ballooned past ₹400 crore, has also added pressure on the producers to deliver a product that matches global expectations.

Cast and Crew Tight-Lipped

While no official statement has been made by Salman Khan or the production house, sources close to the actor revealed that he was “deeply involved” in the film and is equally disappointed by the delay. The rest of the cast, which includes Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana (as per unconfirmed reports), are also awaiting clarity on when the shoot will resume.

What’s Next?

The makers are now considering revising the post-production strategy and possibly collaborating with international VFX studios to salvage the already shot material. The release, which was initially being eyed for a late 2025 window, may now be pushed to mid-2026 depending on the resolution of the current issues.

Fans, meanwhile, continue to wait eagerly for an official teaser or update. With such a massive cultural and cinematic canvas at stake, Ramayana remains one of the most watched projects in Bollywood right now—delays notwithstanding.